PS 3545 
.E58 P8 
1904 
Copy 1 




AT LINTICUM 
HERMITAGE 




POEMS BY M. E. WELSH AND 
N. MARGARET WELSH 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Receivea 

NOV 26 1904 

,, Copyriffni Entry 

CLASS ^ XXc. NO! 



/ COPY B. 






t-g^^- 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1904, by 

M. E. WElySH, 
In the Office of the librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



.^-. 



HpolOOl? 



" Is there a thing whereof men say, See, this is new " ? 

The Hebrew Preacher saith, " It hath already been." 
Like circling suns, what men have done they still will do. 

Shall we because of ancient wisdom feel chagrin? 
Of sum of human joy and woe each life has part, — 

Sees arc of truth. Count him original and wise 
Who tells that which he knows so simply that each heart 

To its own vision wakes. 



While acknowledging indebtedness, in some sense, to 
all authors ever read, the inaccessibility of a complete 
library and unreliability of memory make it impossible 
to give credit for every expression adopted. 

The poems of my sister have been collated since her 
death in the hope that a wider circle of friends may 
receive comfort and inspiration from them. 

M. E. W. 



Contcnte* 

Page 

Apology ^ 

The , Hermitage ^ 

Dawn 

imorning ^ -^ 

Anchor Within the Veie ^4 

To H ^5 

Thy Wile Be Done ^^ 

Not Alone ^^ 

The Perfect Man ^9 

Morning Prayer ^° 

Present Helper ^^ 

They Shall See His Face 22 

As Christ Loved • ->3 

Poetic ^ Art ^-^ 

" Their Voice Can Not Be Heard " 24 

Wonderful Love • ^^ 

The Highly Exalted 26 

"It Is I" (Matt. 14:27) -^ 

" Gqd Called the Light Day " -7 

]\IoRNiNG Hymn -7 

Best Day "'^ 

The Light Is Sweet 28 

Evening Hymn ^9 

Best Gift ^9 



Page 

Dark Hours 30 

Awakening 31 

Workers Together with God s^ 

First Day 32 

His Love Toward Us 32 

The Glory to be Revealed :;^Ti 

POEMS BY N. MARGARET WELSH (Deceased). 

" W^HAT I Do Thou Knowest Not Now •''' (Jesus) . . 39 

The Old Home 40 

" Thy Kingdom Come On Earth " 41 

A Farewell 42 

My Friend 43 

The Time Is Short 44 

" Come, ... I Will Give You Rest " 45 

Heaven 46 

A Prayer for the Bereaved 47 

Where Is Happiness.^ 48 

Temples oe the Spirit 49 

Deathless Love 50 

Heavenly Treasure 51 

My Refuge When Dark Clouds Lower 52 

The Gospel Invitation 52 

Youth's Opportunity 53 

Work of the Spirit 53 

The Garden of the Soul 54 

(8) 



at Xinticum Ibermitage* || 



Poems by M. E. Welsh, 



THE HERMITAGE. 



A hermitage and hallowed place is this. i 

Though beautiful, for me its sacred bliss i 

Consists in treasured memories most dear. 

Some fleeting, peaceful years together here 

We tarried, I and friends who then with me 

In patience waited for the victory 

Of Spirit over sense, and time, and wrong. 

Together now they sing the joyful song 

Of triumph. I so slow to learn to sing, 

Must practice yet a while. 

We loved the King. 
Together here his precious words we read, 
(Their voices linger yet though they are dead,) 
And studied reverently his vast design, 
Interpreted the messages by line 
Invisible sent out through all the world. 
More swift than waves of sound or lightning hurled, 
By minds attuned to his well understood, 
Pure minds that saw in him sublimest good, 
But unperceived by all the careless throng — 
And waiting so the years seemed not too long. 
(9) 



'Twas here, in earth's first temple 'neath die dome 

Of blue, with snowy head the priest of home ' --- 

In faith unwav'ring offered daily prayer, 

His aged brow the while smooth.ed free from care. 

So, too, the songs of praise he often led 

That we, before the Scripture lesson read, 

Together always sung. And daily thus 

In concord sweet we worshiped, while to us 

Assurance of God's kingly favor came. 

Revealing more the luster of his name 

That claimed our highest love and loyalty. 

Together, too, we read the history 

Of veterans who battled long ago 

Obedient to his word, and felt the glow 

Of sacred friendship,' that to fullness grown 

Is joy unspeakable, and only known 

By those around the festal board of heaven. 

Where spirits blend with mystic Spirits seven. 

And waiting so I saw them go from here 

Into the boundless space without a fear. 

Far out beyond the world they saw his light. 

And while the spirit took its upward flight 

A shining ray fell on the pallid face,- — 

(Left here, a useless mask in th' spirit place). 

And that reflected glory, whose bright gleam 

Was not of earth, went with them. Oft I seem 

In memory, or spirit vision clear, 

To see its vanishing, as when from here 

My friends went out, and gazing yearningly 

My vision failed, too weak for th' heavenly. 

And memory those things must sacred keep. 

Though looking backward T sometimes may weep, 

Their fuller lives I think I . somewhat share. 

Who waited here, but now where all is fair 

(10) 



Are welcomed home — their home infinity. 

And they who now in all his beauty see 

Our gracious King, remember, too, this spot. 

In pilgrim days with heavenly blessings fraught, 

As he whose journey o'er will often think 

Of hill where eyes caught sight of home and link 

The rapture with his fuller joy. — 

And me? 
Their vision now from shadow's blur is free. 
Where mind is perfect they can not forget. 
Though I am far from holiness, they yet. 
No doubt, do joy to see me follow on, 
And, knowing all how hard the victory's won, 
In what seems hard in sympathy may still 
Have share, and trusting all the Father's will, 
May gather close and bend to him the knee 
Who leads his ow^n to final victory. 
And so this forest hermitage I love. 
That links sweet memories with hopes above, 
But wait not idle for that grander life. 
Unconscious of the cry of pain and strife. 
Not much my feeble hands can do to stay 
Earth's suffering, but yet with Christ I may 
Strive for the reign of justice, peace and love. 
True prayer joined with the holy will above 
For man's salvation works in every age ; 
And oft the call in hidden hermitage 
To pray for every man, both good and bad, 
The fierce destroyer with the crushed and sad. 
For through the hateful, loud, discordant din, 
That rises from the carnival of sin. 
The hermit, hearing sound of gentle touch, 
As if some one who loved and suffered much 
Was feeling in the dark the jangled keys 
(II) 



In hopeful yearning for lost harmonies, 

With heart responsive listens for each note, 

And longs the earnest effort to promote. 

The Power that makes for righteousness lays hand 

Upon the world's deep sores in every land. 

Gives songs of praise for giant wrongs o'erthrown 

And truth established or to greatness grown. 

While yet the far-off nations darkly grope, 

Each faithful prayer brings nearer earth's great hope. 



DAWN. 

My soul breathes the air of a peace that is sweet 

As the calm undisturbed of the earliest driwn, 
E'en by flutter of wings as bird choristers meet — 

While the curtains of night are so softly willidrawn — 
Ere the prelude to morning's glad anthem begins. 

Though in infinite Presence my nothingness feel 
And, 'adoring the Holy, remember my sins, 

I receive on my soul the imprint of his seal 
Of acceptance the sign to those washed in the blood 

That atones. To my Father my spirit draws near,. 
For as beauty unfolded, wrapped up in the bud, 

What in glory I'll be not in time doth appear. 
Now behold, there's a flush on the eastern low sky. 

In a moment the sun will transform with its light 
Every darkly draped object that now meets the eye. 

Till robed in his beauty 'tis fair in our sight. 
Though now in the shadow all dew-bathed and dim, 

Then responsive they'll glisten with jewels most bright. 
In that morning in thankfulness looking to him 

Shall my spirit exultant be clothed with his light. 
( 12) 



MORNING. 

Our God is here. Through silent hours he held 
All living souls unconscious in their sleep, 

While night earth's fierce disquiet slowly quelled; 
But now, emerging from that shad'wy deep, 

See all created beings wake to life, 

With hearts made strong by rest renew its strife. 

All life is gay. The jewel-crested leaf 
And fragrant multicolored op'ning flower, 

The waving fields of green and ripened sheaf. 
The brightly tinted cloud and crystal shower. 

With joyful harmonies awake the heart; 

But from its ceaseless longings stand apart. 

By outward sense we know that God is near. 

His spirit brooding o'er the chaos deep 
By waking, growing life proclaimed him near ; 

But as on light that rests on mountains steep. 
Or glints upon the eye from morning star. 
Our souls feel awed to look so high, so far. 

Their shoreless deeps we know are sometimes stirred, 
As songs in unknown tongue by voices sweet, 

Or echoing organ's peal in distance heard, 

May charm the list'ning ear — their passing fleet — 

The motives that our softened hearts inflame 

We dimly, faintly know from whence they came. 

But yet refreshed from yesterday's dull cares, 

Wifh keener sense and bounding heart of youth 
We greet the smiling face that Nature wears, 

( 13 ) 



And feel in harmony with joy and truth. 
Our lips would fain repeat the song they sung, 
Who saw this Earth all fair when it was young. 

Though vision fails nor whispers reach the ear, 

This mighty Lord of all the universe 
Is not contained in things that do appear ; 

Nor yet through these may we with him converse. 
Behold, these are his messengers that wait 
Or serve outside his royal palace gate. 

As priests that minister in common things, 
They enter not that dread, most holy p'ace, 

Where o'er the mercy seat the shad'wing wings 
Protect the soul that humbly seeks his face. 

'Tis there man's spirit may his spirit meet 

In friendship pure and holy, calm and sweet. 

Draw near, but leave without all sordid cares. 

Come thou into that sacred atmosphere 
Washed clean and bearing only earnest prayers 

As swinging censors — dumb appeal sincere ; 
Learn there infinity of truth and love. 
And share the harmony of heaven above. 



ANCHOR WITHIN THE VEIL. 

My trustful hope rests firm in him. 
Obedient trust is Jesus' claim on me. 

The cup of death sin-filled to brim 

Was drained, O Christ, my Lord, by thee,. 

And, victor o'er its darkness, now 

All earth and heaven to thee must bow. 
(14) 



TO H . 

Lines to a bdoz'cd ncp/iczv and puhij on his twenty-first 
birthday. 

Launch out upon the open sea, 

Our paths must severed be. 
With chart and compass thou must steer. 
May God keep watch 'twixt me and thee, 
Though I should never more be near. 

The shining stars are guide to you — 

Oh, watch and steer thou true. 
Thy way must be apart from mine, 
Yet we may go Hfe's journey through 
In presence of my God and thine. 

Perhaps not often we may speak 
While storms around us shriek, 
And waves meet clouds to form a veil 
And hide thee whom my eyes still seek, 
While I as thou must onward sail. 

If I might ever signal thee, 

Aly message this should be : 
Obey the lights that shine above, 
They shine for you, they shine for me. 
Their law keeps truth, and hope, and love. 

Launch out and bravely strike the deep. 
. The spray may o'er thee weep. 
But yielding waves shall bear thee on. 
May Christ, unerring guide, thee keep. 
Thou'lt sight the land at early dawn. 
(15) 



'•THY WILL BE DONE." 

** Thy will be done." How oft 'tis spoken low 
With falt'ring tone, while from the drooping eyes 
The tears flow fast, the head submissive .bent 
As deep in thought and painful questioning. 
God is supreme, and whatsoe'er he pleased 
That did he in the heavens and in the earth. 
His will is good and heaven is full of joy. 
For there his will is perfectly performed. 
But here the gloom of sorrow and of death 
Hangs over all our fleeting happiness, 
As over lowlands fogs obscure the sun. 

God's will is good, in righteousness he reigns 

O'er all the earth; and God himself is love, 

And all his acts but manifest his grace — 

Then what strange adverse power intervenes, 

That we must suffer so? Or can Love will 

That we should bear the pain of poverty 

And grief, and see the fading of our hopes, 

And toil on fruitlessly, while down the west 

Our sun is sinking fast, and wring our hands 

In agony before the doors that close 

Relentless on the joys we held most dear, — 

More dear than life. — the things for which we lived? 

Thus ever does the human heart inquire. 
And ever since the world began to drink 
The bitter bowl of tears and bear the curse 
Of woe, its heavy beatings, falling fast. 
Have dulled the ear unto the truths that God 
From his eternal heavens would speak and teach. 
The infidel complaint bursts from the lips 
( i6) 



In pain's extremity: Ah, doth God know? 

Or often, still more faithless: Doth God care? 

Subdued by feeling of its helplessness, 

It mourns submissively, yet bitterly. 

While unapproachable Jehovah seems. 

How could his holy Majesty, serene. 

Be touched with hands unclean, begrimed with earth 

And wet with briny tears? Or could desires 

Of our weak hearts considered be by him? 

In his affliction even righteous Job, 

Astonished, uttered thus his heart's complaint 

To God : " I cry." " Thou dost not answer me." 

Not strange the world, weighed down with conscious 

guilt. 
Should shrink from that infinity of power 
In fear of what it could not comprehend. 
And in its terror stifle half its cry. 
But his own chosen could not learn to know 
The secret power of faith if all his ways 
Were plain to them without interpreter. 
Of old they knew his kindly providence, 
That ever circled round their daily life. 
And worshiped, ever stretching out their hands 
And blindly groping through the dark for God, ' 

Were ever struggling with the question grave, 
How sinful man could be accounted just, 
Or be at one with perfect holiness. 

How terrible the vale of sorrow seemed 
Until the Lord Christ came from heaven to earth 
And like a brother shared our earthly lot. 
He laid aside his rightful majesty, 
And clothed in fragile clay, that everywhere 
Is vulnerable to the stroke of death. 
(17) 



He trod the slippery path of human Ufe, 

And felt privation, scorn, and pain, and grief. 

Thus passing through affliction for our sake. 

He bowed his soul to tears — not for himself, 

But, moved with tender sympathy for us. 

He took upon himself the heavy load 

Of sin, that weighed us down to hopeless grief; 

And, burdened so, stretched out his helping hands 

To all who sought him in their misery. 

Yea, burdened with the guilt of all the world. 

He bore the awful frown that holiness 

Forever casts on sin, condemned with us. 

That we with him, the faultless, might be just. 

Through sufif'ring he was perfect Savior made, 

To lead us back to truth, and love and God. 

He stands approved in heaven's unsullied light 

To represent us there. The suff'rer crowned 

Stands in his Father's smile, for he his will 

Has done on earth in perfect loyalty. 

Full transcript of the mind of God in him 

We see, and know the Infinite is Love, 

The same who bore our griefs and wept with us. 

And can we halting say, God's will is good? 
Nay, rather let the prayer. " Thy will be done," 
Responsive to his great redeeming power. 
Forever speak our glad and trustful love. 

NOT ALONE. 

When wand'ring through the gloom of darkest night 
This thought shall light and armor be. 

That naught can ever hide me from his sight 
Who through Christ's face doth look on me. 
( t8) 



THE PERFECT lAIAN. 

Oh, what is man? The stars, so far from us 
And nearer God, may be, do tremble so. 

Weak faith with palpitating heart e'en thus 
Would take the greatest gift he can bestow. 

Is God far off? Did not his well loved Son 
Live here as one of us, but full of grace, 

While under law his life-long work was done, 
To prove himself a brother to our race? 

He grew, he ate and drank, was tired and slept, 
Though blameless was his life, his heart most pure; 

He felt life's miseries, he sighed and wept, 
A man, to common men his presence sure. 

As brother, helper, teacher, friend, he came 
Into our lives to show us how to grow 

To perfect manhood. Son of man his name — 
A gracious one, whom every man may know. 

And knowing him, we know the character 
Of God, who dwells in pure eternal light, 

The righteous, holy one, who can not err, — 
Too bright and terrible for mortal sight. 

Yet one who has a loving Father's heart, 
Who pities, seeks to save the wand'ring one, 

And who in all our griefs has borne a part, 
Who dwells with us in person of his Son. 

(19) 



MORNING PRAYER. 

Lord, thou art here. Through silent hour 
And gloom I slept, kept by thy power. 

I wake and live in thee. 
I slept, was helpless in my sin, 
Eternal life I could not win. 

Thou gavest life to me. 

Thy blood from guilt has made me free, 
I live, am saved, and blest in thee. 

Oh, can I ask for more? 
I only in my prayer beseech 
That thou this wayward heart wouldst teach; 

To ever thee adore. 

I live by faith in thy great love, 
Oh, till I reach thy home above. 

Come down and walk with me. 
Thy power alone can keep and save — 
Loud is the wind, high rolls the wave, 

And I am far at sea. 

For in the dark, tempestuous night. 
When I with trembling and affright 

Cry out upon the sea, 
Thou makest all its storm to cease. 
And with thy whispered word of peace 

Thou sweetly stillest me. 

Oh, while I draw this labored breath, 
Until I've passed the straits of Death 
Be near to comfort me. 

(20) 



My heart is quiv'ring now with pain, 
Let not my suff'ring be in vain, 
Let me be crowned with thee. 

In all my darkest, weakest hours, 

When faileth these death-stricken powers, 

My soul would cling to thee. 
Oh, let not shame o'ertake my hope. 
But in the morning may I ope 

My eyes thy face to see. 

PRESENT HELPER. 

Is Jehovah right here ? Could he e'er with humanity 

dwell. 
The Supreme to whom ceaselessly anthems so worshipful 

swell. 
Who has founded on Justice that mountain eternal, his 

throne. 
Who wMth majesty reigneth in glory forever alone? 

Could the God of compassioin, could he who is infinite 

love. 
Whose Spirit delighteth in holiness ever above, 
Live here 'mid the clamor of war and the murderous 

strife? 
Could he listen at all to the fret and the cry of this life? 

Yea, his presence is here, great Jehovah, the pitiful one. 
Yet not in the thunder's loud crashing or whirlwind's 

swift run; 
His great power is helpful in agony, smarting and cares. 
Here to save, as the ocean to harbor the wrecked vessel 

bears. 

(21) 



As down deep under stoniest paths run the water's cool 
springs, 

So the streams of his mercy flow deep with refreshing, 
that brings 

To the fever-tossed soul for Hfe's trial new hope and 
new strength. 

That the weak in his might may be strong, and be vic- 
tors at length. 

Leading often with sternness apart from the sordid worn 

path, 
The one chosen and called to interpret his mercy and 

wrath, 
And declare to the passing his secret, th' forgiveness 

of sin. 
That the lame, and the halt, and the dying the kingdom 

may win. 

Highly honored, who builds into life the sweet message 

he heard, 
And by personal sacrifice renders more lucid the word, 
Sweetly welcome, that lifts crushing burdens, discharges 

our debts, — 
But w'oe, woe to the seer who heedless the vision 

forgets. 



"THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE." 
(Rev. 22: 4.) 

Who toil in field or mart do serve their king, 
Though most by other hands their tribute bring, 
Shout if his equipage do pass their place ; 
But chosen servants stand and see his face. 
(22) 



AS CHRIST LOVED. 

So walk in love's self-sacrifice 

As Christ, who came from heaven to earth, 
Whose perfect love was truly wise — 

The man of grief, who blessed men's mirth. 

Who followed God's appointed way 

Of daily toil and needed rest, 
Retiring oft apart to pray, 

And list'ning ever God's behest. 

His deeds were simple truth and right, 
Such as the poorest e'en might do; 

They gained him favor in men's sight 
Who only as a man him knew. 

He sought not praise, and feared not blame, 
And yet fulfilled all righteousness 

For glory of his Father's name, 

Who sent him down, our race to bless. 

This, then, of love is highest proof, 
Obedience to our Father's will ; 

To follow crowds or ho!d aloof, 
As choice may righteous law fulfill. 

God's will is always right and good, 
He seeks to make men whole again; 

And so, if rightly understood, 
Obedience is love to men. 
(23) 



POETIC ART. 

What is poetic art? Etude 

With rhyme and word similitude, 

Or literary fine bouquets. 

Arranged to gJadden leisure days? 

It is transmitted harmony 

Through circuit of infinity 

To aspiration, noble thought ; 

The pulsing heart and brain inwrought 

With measured march of righteous law 

In deeds that woo, or strike with awe; 

The gath'ring from the wrecks of time 

Rich treasures hid in ocean slime 

Or in debris of ages past. 

Yet pressed in mold of deeds that last 

To forms of immortality ; 

Or insight of true sympathy 

That in to-day's dull common-place 

The growth of heavenly flowers can trace, 

Relating visions of life free 

In glorious beauty yet to be. 



THEIR VOICE CAN NOT BE HEARD. 

(PSA. 19: 3.) 

The angels daily praise His name 

Above the din of earthly cries. 
As to the watching shepherds came 
In Bethlehem that sweetest song. 
Their notes are clear, their voices strong, 

Yet on the air the anthem dies. 

(24) 



Poor mortals bend too near the ground. 

Their senses dulled to harmony, 
They wake not for the sweetest sound — 
In vain the singers from above 
May chant the melody of love, 

The sordid heart has lost the key. 

No spirit unatuned can hear 

The heavenly music in the air, 
Though sweet it fails on waiting ear 
In busy mart, or desert place, 
Where'er men seek forgiving grace 

In humble thought or word of prayer. 

Climb high, O soul, and listen well, 
Not of this earth or time art thou. 

Commune with those where thou wouldst dwel 

Above this stifling atmosphere. 

O Christ, attune my heart to hear. 
For I am thine bv solemn vow. 



WONDERFUL LOVE. 

What love that Christ should give 

His life to save me ! 
And, oh, that wondrous love shall last 
Through every trial while I live, 
And when the testing time is past 
He'll take me home to live with him. 
His love I know, though faith be dim. 

Desires to have me. 

(25) 



THE HIGHLY EXALTED. 
(IsA. 2: 11-17.) 

Our nation boasts achievements great. 
Material works alone shall earn the fate 
Of Ozymandius, the sport of fame — ' 

On his self-laudatory tower a name 
To puzzle searchers in time's shifting sands, 
Who ask, What have you done? For human hands 
May toil with skill, do all that mind has dared, 
As basic fragments desert storms have spared 
The elements they wrought are crumbling dust. 
But One comes to his throne. All serve him must. 
The dolt who sees no farther than his wage, 
Nor knows, nor owns the King, in every age 
.Prepares his great highway. 



"IT IS I." 

(Matt. 14: 27.) 

Jesus is near. Why should you fear, 
Oh, trembling, doubting one? 

Though clouds across your sky 
A while shut out the sun, 
He hears your cry. 

He draweth nigh when waves roll high 

Then list to hear his shout. 
He treads the billowy sea, 

While storms of life wear out 
He comes to thee. 



(26) 



Be of good cheer. Yield not to fear, 
His gracious lips speak peace. 

His word has power to still 
And make heart troubles cease. 
Bow to his will. 



GOD CALLED THE LIGHT DAY." 
(Gen. 1 : 5-) 

The evening and the morning, so 
The sacred writers measure day; 

Not so the world, that can not know 
The light round him to whom we pray. 

'Tis evening now. Some stars appear. 
Reflected light reveals our way; 

But morning cometh with the clear 
And gladsome light of perfect day. 



MORNING HYMN. 

I will rejoice in thee, my God, 
Remembering thy holiness. 

Thy mercy, truth and love I laud, 
Thy righteous name I'll ever bless. 

My life is thine, redeemed from sin, 
Thy hand upholds me constantly. 

Thy happy home I'll dwell within 
In* fadeless joy, eternally. 
(27) 



BEST DAY. 

Oh, day most blessed that is mine, 
Thou'rt linked with both eternities. 
The time and chance of life is thine. 
By thee are human energies 
Transmuted to divine decrees. 

Thy light reveals and boldest forth 
All glorious possibilities. 
As turns the needle to the North. 
Thy laws control the mystic keys 
Of sad or happy destinies. 

And those who trust the unseen power 
That dwelleth in the shining light. 
And form a circuit in this hour 
By touch of loving deeds and right. 
May share thy joy and wondrous might. 



THE LIGHT IS SWEET." 
(Ecciv. II : 7-) 

Returning light, 
The earth is glad in thee. 
The glorious light of day 

Doth shine for me. 

O joy, O life, 
I hear thy symphony ; 
The music of thy waves 

Has wakened me. 
(28) 



O Light divine, 
All joy flows down from thee. 
Thou art the bliss of heaven. 

Shine Thou on me. 



EVENING HYMN. 

O Lord, when human comforts fail - 

We lift our eyes to thee. 
For thou hast heard the mourner's wail 

From all eternity. 

The burden of our helpless woes 
Was borne, O Christ by thee; 

Thy loving- heart all anguish knows 
Li its infinity. 

So when our souls are bowed in grief 
Our prayers shall trustful be. 

Thy voice shall bring a sweet relief 
To all who hope in thee. 



BEST GIFT. 

Thy gracious word is my delight, 
Thy daily gifts are good to sight, 

Thy promise rests my hope in thee, 
O Christ, thyself, thy Spirit give, 
The light by which thy ransomed live. 

The universe is given to me. 

(29) 



DARK HOURS. 

(ISA. 50: 10.) 

There are dark days in the calendar 
Of each bright and joyous solar year. 
Oft the sun is darkened, and most drear 
Does all nature seem. Damp chills occur ; 
Fields all white to harvest scarcely stir 
In the breeze; the garden flower shrinks, 
Missing sunlight sweet, which plant life drinks 
As do mortals the pure atmosphere. 

Sometimes thus a gloom enwraps the soul, 
And all common pleasures seem to cloy. 
Cheerless, though high thoughts the mind employ. 
Does the heart, as if a bell did toll. 
Listen dumb, — e'en while loud anthems roll 
Waves of praise to God. His gracious gifts 
Warm emotions stir not, neither lifts 
Even thankfulness full notes of joy. 

Sometimes thus a chilling gloom enshrouds 
With damp folds the soul. We know not why 
Darkness so obscures for us the sky. 
O'er us shadows drawn by low'ring clouds 
Hide the silent cheer of starry crowds 
That deep night would show in heaven above. 
'Tis as if a sense of loss of love 
Made our spirits in us faint and die. 

Then as homes by fires in winter's dearth 
Seek cheer, when of beauty earth is bare, 

(30) 



Flames upon the hearth make warm the air, 
And the children in their childish mirth 
Gather, bringing with them joys of earth. 
Light on altars of the heart a flame 
Whene'er sadness puts our hopes to shame 
And revive the chilling soul by praj^er. 

No sad drooping heart need e'er despair. 
Haste to tend afresh the altar fire. 
Strike with feeblest touch electric wire, 
And, more swift than sound waves cleave the air, 
To Jehovah God ascends thy prayer. 
Like the subtle lightning swift shall come 
Life renewed to heart so cold and dumb, 
Pulsing fingers touch again the lyre. 



AWAKENING. 

The breath of morn, the touch of sun, 

The subtle change of chemistry, . 

Dissolving atoms in the earth, 

The thrill of electricity, — 

And where we saw the winter's dearth, 

That wondrous thing, plant life begun. 

A word of love, the voice of God, 

That smites and wounds, and soothes and heals, 

x^wakes from deathly sleep the soul. 

And to the struggling life reveals 

Of all life's stress the shining goal 

As reached the way Christ trod. 

(31) 



WORKERS TOGETHER WITH GOD. 

A noble purpose glorifies 

The toiler's faithful drudgery, 
As growth the buried seed that dies. 

It keeps the Christian spirit free 
When wearing tasks, repeated oft. 

To know that God thy work doth give 
And works with thee — to look aloft, 

In his companionship to live. 



FIRST DAY. 

Earth's age computes no man, 
For time with light l)egan ; 
God said : " Let there be light," 
And through the trackless night 
The silver waves f\o\\e^ round 

This infant planet earth, 
Till then in darkness bound. 

And the first day had birth. 



HIS LOVE TOWARD US. 

We see thy power in starry systems great, 

Thy wisdom marked the paths in which they move. 

But Thou, the Word, who didst all things create, 
LIpon this little planet Earth didst prove 
The infinity of love. 

(32) 



THE GLORY TO BE REVEALED. 

By faith I see, but yet with vision dim; 

I long to see in clearer light, 
To know my King as I am known of him 

To see perfection in his sight. 



(33) 




N. Margarkt Welsh. 



POEMS BY N. MARGARET WELSH 

(DECEASED) 



WHAT I DO THOU KNOWEST NOT NOW. 
(Jesus.) 

Not now with thy dim vision 
Canst thon my plan discern. 

Submit thy will to mine, and all 
Thou shalt hereafter learn. 

Ye call me Lord and Master, 

And I am truly so; 
Can ye not bear indignity 

HI have stooped so low? 

I give you an example 
That ye should always do 

In love to one another still. 
As I have done to you. 

So take my yoke upon you. 

In suffering be meek. 
For 'tis the only way to find 

The honor that you seek. 

Not now the crown and glory, 
The rest and perfect day; 

But follow me in humble trust, 
As I shall lead the way. 

Not now the perfect knowledge. 

But if you are my own, 
You'll see at last my way was best, 

And "know as ye are known." 

(39) 



THE OLD HOME. 



A picture comes to me to-night 

Of the old, old home so dear, 
For though removed so far from sight, 

'Tis in spirit vision near. 

I see the gate that leads to it, 

And the flowers in sweetest bloom. 

And entering, by th' fire I sit 
In the pleasant sitting room. 

Then other forms will gather there 

As they used to long ago. 
A father, aged, with silver hair. 

And blue eyes with tender glow. 

Most loved of all. my mother fair. 
With her knitting sits by th' stand, 

O'er brown eyes shade of long brown hair, 
And she smiles on th' little band. 

A brother eldest, broad of brow, 

And of mild blue eyes, I see, 
Though living in his own home now, 

He in th' old home lives to me. 

A sister, too, in life's fair dawn. 

Who for love left us behind. 
In faith and hope has traveled on, 

Is there present to my mind. 

(40) 



Another sister, dear to me, 

My teacher, loved as child and youth, 
Now teaches others over th' sea 

Gospel words of living truth. 

One fairest of the picture made. 

Who is fairer now in heaven. 
Once kneeled beside me there and prayed 

All niy sins might be forgiven. 

My brother sees now from above. 

And (I know he loves us still) 
Oft comes a minister of love, 

Glad to do the Father's will. 

One brother yet is left to me. 

Though he, too, is far away ; 
I see him there in th' old, old home, 

Still at study, work or play. 

And so in th' vision that conies to me 

I all over live again 
My childhood's days, so glad and free, 

In the love that held me then. 

"THY KINGDOM COME ON EARTH." 

When shall the dawn of heaven on earth be seen, 
That happy time for which we often pray? 
Christ's blessed reign! My soul delights to dwell 
Upon the vision. Now upon my ear 
Breathe notes of joy, and peace, and harmony. 
Like heaven's own music sounding from afar. 
" Thy kingdom come on earth." When we obey 
His will, then shall it come within our hearts. 
(41 ) 



A FAREWELL. 

Waves of the ocean between us now roll, 
Yet separation our love can not change. 

Messages silent but sweet from the soul 

Speed o'er the sea from a land that is strange. 

Though so far distant to India's land, 

You, my dear sister, to labor have gone ; 

Tenderly still may the same loving hand 

Lead you and cheer you till your labor is done. 

Though all around you are thousands who live 
Ignorant still of the Savior's great love, 

They to the bats soon their idols shall give, 
Seeking the God that came down from above. 

O'er that dark land now breaks the first light, 
Soon a bright morning for it will appear. 

Farther the gospel shall spread till the night 
Cease, and the kingdom of Jesus draw near. 

Go, then, my sister, though feeble you be, 
Jesus is strong, upon whom you depend. 

Go, for the Master is calling for thee, 

Prayers for thy welfare to heaven a-cend. 

If in God's mercy you ever should come 
Back o'er the old ocean's dark rolling tide, 

Gladly we'll greet you and welcome you home, 
Give you a place by the dear old fireside. 

(42) 



But if on earth we should nevermore meet, 
All our time, talents and strength we'll employ; 

And not in vain if at Christ's judgment seat 
We shall at last meet in fullness of joy. 

Then in thy crown of rejoicing shall shine 

Souls that have found the way home by thy light ; 

Oh, may there be some stars also in mine, 

Some that have left the wrong way for the right. 

Now may the presence of Jesus be with you, 

Strengthen your hands and encourage your heart ; 

May the sweet cheer of his promises true 
Comfort and peace to your spirit impart. 



MY FRIEND 

No earthly friendships' ties 

Can satisfy the heart, 
For mortal when he dies 

From earthly friends must part. 
In vain when troubles rise, 

That make our hearts afraid, 
We turn beseeching eyes 

To earthly friends for aid ; 
Vain is the help of man 

When grief o'erwhelms the soul. 
One friend, one only, can 

The broken heart console. 
His fullness can supply 

Whatever good we need. 
To all who on his help rely 

He is a friend indeed. 
(43) 



THE TIME IS SHORT. 

The time is short. Your years 
That hasten none can stay ; 

Life, Hke a vapor that appears, 
Soon vanishes away. 

The time is short to learn 
Ere death the way to live. 

The days do never more return. 
But come as God doth give. 

To work, — how short the time ! 

And Jesus gives each one 
A work to do that is sublime. 

Oh, leave it not undone. 

The time is short to tell 

The old, old story o'er, 
How Jesus loved the world so well, 

For it the cross he bore. 

And if he loved it so 

He came from heaven above. 
Shall we then hesitate to go 

And tell a Savior's love? 

How short, indeed, the time ! 

And many lands still lie 
In darkness, and in every clime 

In darkness many die. 

(44) 



l-ofC. 



Oh, may the lime be brief 

Before the gospel light 
Dispels the gloom of care and grief, 

And dissipates the night. 

Oh, weary ones who weep. 

Faint not in doing well, 
The time is short. What thou shalt reap 

Eternity will tell. 



"COME,... I WILL GIVE YOU REST.' 

(Jesus.) 

I come to thee for rest^ 

I lay my burden down. 
Oh, hide me in thy breast, 

Safe from the world's cold frown. 

Dear Savior, thou dost see 
How weary of the strife — 

Unless thou livest in mt, 
I'm weary e'en of life. 

Oh, save me from myself. 
From this deceitful heart, 

And make me like thyself, 
Pure, holy as thou art. 

Then let me rest in thee. 
And I -shall meekly wait 

Until thou callest me 
To enter heaven's gate. 

(45) 



HEAVEN. 

Heaven! How shall finite mind 
Language to describe it find? 
Brush that's dipped in earthly dye 
Can not paint that heaven high. 

H God had not given in love 
Guide unto that heaven above 
In the book of life and light, 
We had dwelt in endless night. 

In the book of truth we're told 
A:l the streets are of pure gold; 
Jasper is its walls, and rare 
Th' stones of their foundations fair. 

Gates of pearl wide open stand ; 
Kings and lords of every land 
Into it their glory bring, 
And honor to their Savior king. 

Darkness has no dwelling there. 
In that city bright and fair; 
Endless day excludes the night, 
For the Lamb doth give it light. 



Living flow the waters pure 
From the throne that shall endure; 
Trees of life on either side 
Spread their fruitful branches wide. 



(46) 



Sorrow can not enter there. 
Sin, nor death, nor pain, nor care. 
There with peace shall all be blessed, 
And the weary be at rest. 

Crowned w^ith life and clothed in white. 

Hosts of the redeemed unite, 

Glad eternally to sing 

Praises to their heavenly King. 



A PRAYER FOR THE BEREAVED. 

When once the disciples in fear 

And in grief had assembled to pray, 
In their midst did their Savior appear. 

In a voice they all knew did he say, 
" Fear ye not." " Peace be unto you," 

Bringing joy to their hearts like a dove, 
With a peace that the world never knew, 

Came the Spirit of truth and of love. 
Oh, thou Prince of peace, gentlest One, 

Teach our hearts to be still at thy word. 
For we know that thy will must be done, 

And our cry thy compassion has heard. 
May thy sweet benediction of peace 

To our sorrowing hearts be spoken. 
It shall bring us from cares a release 

And swift healing to hearts that are broken. 
Oh, when harasse-d by doubt and by fear. 

When the waves of our troubles increase, 
To relieve us, dear Savior, be near. 

Breathe upon us thy Spirit of peace. 
(47) 



WHERE IS HAPPINESS? 

All for happiness are seeking. 

Where can happiness be found? 
Hear the many voices speaking, 

All earth echoes to the sound. 



Some may think they would be cheery 

If they'd nothing else to do, 
But the idle are most dreary. 

Discontented, useless, too. 

Some seek happiness in gold, 

Ever adding to their store, 
Gath'ring all their hands can hold. 

Still they cry, A little more. 

Some in learning think there's gladness, 
In knowing all there is to know, 

But the learned oft in sadness 
Feel that yet they nothing know. 

All are restlessly pursuing, 

Thinking happiness is sure. 
Few there are who think of doing 

What would endless joy secure. 

Happiness is priceless treasure 
Gold or pearls can never buy; 

Like these, wisdom and true pleasure 
Deep are hidden from the eye. 

(48) 



Read the Bible, for it guides yon 
Back to happiness and God; 

Heavenly mansions Christ provides you, 
Reached the way himself has trod. 



TEMPLES OF THE SPIRIT. 

Though in heaven the holy God 
Dwelleth, yet this earth he trod. 
And the humblest heart as well 
Is where he delights to dwell. 

Comforter, he heals the hearts 
Wounded sore by Satan's darts, 
Cleanses us from every sin 
Till our hearts are pure wM"thin. 

Born of God, like him we grow, 
Knowing, follow- on to know. 
Sanctified no more to roam. 
We become the Spirit's home. 

Saints, remember what ye are. 
Nearer God than brightest star, 
Guard the gifts ye have received. 
Lest the Spirit should be grieved. 

Be ye holy, saith the Lord, 
Writes it in his w^ord adored; 
Holiness is perfect grace — 
Those made holy see his face. 

(49) 



DEATHLESS LOVE. 

True friendship never dies ; 

The ties that bind us here 
Shall last forever in the skies, 

As source of holy cheer. 

In every Christian heart 

A sympathy I find ; 
Hearts knit together can not part, 

Nor lives so intertwined. 

True love shall ever grow 
As powers of mind expand ; 

As we are known, then shall we know 
Within Emmanuel's land. 

Was not this Christ's command 

To all disciples true : 
Love one another, chosen band, 

As I have loved you ? 

And can he bid us twine 

Affections' tendrils here, 
Then sever as a branch from vine 

From all that we hold dear? 

Ah, no, my faith replies. 

True love shall deathless be ; 

Hope lifts to heaven her trusting eyes, 
And patience waits on thee. , 

(50) 



To all the good below 

My heart shall ever cling, 

For all who sleep in Christ I know 
In glory he shall bring. 

Then as the angels we 

Shall ever dwell above; 
To God shall all the glory be 

With our united love. 



HEAVENLY TREASURE. 

Lay treasures up in heaven 

With love that never fails, 
For there no trusting hearts are riven, 

No jealousy assails. 

No thief can e'er break through 

To rob us or to spoil, 
No moth or rust corrupt the true 

Rewards of faithful toil. 

Make to yourselves true friends, 
That when you fail on earth 

You'll find in love that never ends 
A treasure of great worth. 



(sn 



MY REFUGE WHEN DARK CLOUDS LOWER. 

When dark clouds hover near, 
When threat'ning lifts the storm its arm, 
There's safe retreat from its alarm 
Beneath God's wing, where naught can harm. 

Then what have I to fear? 

When sadness brings a tear. 
And o'er each thought and hope of mine 
A gloom is cast, and I repine. 
Fear not, my child, for I am thine. 

He says, " Be of good cheer." 

When T am left alone. 
With none to speed the hours away. 
No human friend to be my stay. 
There's One I trust, to whom I pray. 

Who ne'er deserts his own. 

And when life's storms are past 
I'll bid this cold, vain world farewell, 
And gladly leave its cares, to dwell 
With him who is my all, and swell 

The song of joy at last. 



THE GOSPEL INVITATION,. 

Come, the bride and Spirit say, 
All that hear may point the way. 
Welcome, halting, blind and dumb, 
Distant lands shall echo. Come. 

(52) 



YOUTH'S OPPORTUNITY. 

Spring is the sowing time, as youth 
Is spring and seed time of our life. 

Then are we sowing seeds of truth, 
Of faith, hope, love, and not of strife? 

The golden moments ere they fly, 
Oh, haste to fill with deeds of love. 

Wake, idle dreamer, death is nigh. 
And there's a heaven to gain above. 



WORK OF THE SPIRIT. 

The Spirit's presence giveth light, 
Shows the sins our souls afifright 

Then he graciously reveals 

The Physician great who heals. 

Gently does the heavenly dove 
Draw us on with cords of love. 

Till the Savior we embrace. 
And receive abundant grace. 

Now he ever in us dwells. 

Every evil he expels ; 
He upholds the humble saint. 

And revives the spirit faint. 

(53) 



THE GARDEN OF THE SOUL. 

In gladsome spring, by sunbeams warm allured 

And soft caress of gentle zephyrs sweet, 

The buds unfold their perfumed, beauteous flowers, 

And precious fruits take form on vine and tree. 

The beauties of the soul that never fade ! 

God's Spirit is the root from which they spring, 

And watered with the heavenly dcAvs of grace, 

They evermore increase their blossoming. 

The Spirit's fruit is faith in all that's good. 

And charity, the bond of perfectness. 

And joy, and peace, and sweet humility, — 

A grace becoming unto every one, — 

And blessed hope, that stay of tempted souls, 

Like anchor entering within the veil — 

That holy place where now our Savior dwells. 

We catch a glimpse of heavenly glory there, 

A foretaste sweet of things prepared for us 

By him who loved us. Meekness, Gentleness, 

And Patience, waiting on her Father's will, 

The wisdom from above God freely gives 

To all who ask in faith ; and every grace 

And every virtue in this garden grows 

When cultivated with a careful hand. 

O Sun of righteousness, with healing beams. 

Shine on my soul, and let the gentle winds 

Upon my garden blow, and it revive 

With showers of heaven. 



(54) 



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